Choosing the right cheer shoe is a game-changer for any cheerleader or cheer coach. The perfect pair of cheer shoes enhances performance, supports stunting and tumbling, and complements your cheer on the mat or sideline. Whether you're a flyer, base, or backspot, Varsity cheer shoes are designed with advanced cheer-specific technology to deliver lightweight support, shock absorption, and superior grip. Find the cheerleading shoes that move with you and support every jump, stunt, and landing.
Our Cheer Shoe Buying Guide breaks down everything you need to know—so you can shop with confidence. Learn how outsole grip, midsole cushioning, flexibility, and weight impact performance, and which model best fits your cheer needs. Discover which cheer shoes are ideal for competition vs. sideline, indoor vs. outdoor use, and which champion-approved model is perfect for you. Varsity’s lineup of cheer shoes is designed by cheer experts, tested by top athletes, and built for champions.
Varsity Footwear leads the industry in high-performance cheer shoes built for durability, flexibility, and style. From sleek white cheer shoes for competition to versatile black cheer shoes for sideline use, every pair is engineered to keep cheerleaders at the top of their game. With lightweight construction, breathable materials, and innovative traction technology, Varsity Footwear performs with you.
Best Overall
Varsity Phantom Cheer Shoes
Take your cheer performance to the next level with the Phantom—our most advanced competition cheer shoe yet. Engineered with exclusive V Plate™ propulsion technology, the Phantom boosts power in jumps and accelerates momentum in tumbling. Its super lightweight, breathable design offers elite-level support, grip, and durability for stunting and high-impact routines. Designed for competitive cheerleaders who demand peak performance, this cheer shoe is built to dominate the mat.
Best for Stunting / Tumbling
Varsity Ascend Air Cheer Shoes
Fly higher with the Ascend Air—made for powerful tumbling, quick transitions, and elite stunts. This hyperlight competition cheer shoe delivers enhanced cushioning and shock absorption for maximum control and takeoff. Built for athletes who train hard and perform harder, it’s available in white or black to suit your competition or team look. The Ascend Air is the go-to cheer shoe for athletes focused on high-performance stunt work.
Best Basketball / Indoor Sideline Cheer Shoe
Varsity Edge 2 Cheer Shoes
Redesigned for today’s cheer athlete, the Edge 2 is a premium indoor sideline cheer shoe. Lightweight yet durable, this shoe features a flexible construction with breathable mesh to support movement stunts and court-side routines. Ideal for cheerleaders performing on hardwood or gym floors, the Edge 2 blends performance comfort with everyday durability.
Best Football / Outdoor Sideline Cheer Shoe
Varsity DBL Edge 2 Cheer Shoes
Built to keep up, the DBL Edge 2 is the ultimate football sideline cheer shoe. With enhanced arch and ankle support and a grippy outsole for turf and uneven surfaces, this shoe is built to withstand the elements and keep you in yours. A soft synthetic leather body and cushioned insole add comfort, while a reinforced structure keeps your movements sharp.
Most On-Trend Cheer Shoe
Varsity Aeros Elite Cheer Shoes
Turn heads and take flight in the Aeros Elite—the best high-top cheer shoe designed for today’s top athletes. Lightweight and breathable with a molded performance fit, the Aeros Elite delivers full flexibility for jumps, stunts, and clean routines. This trending high-top cheer shoe combines modern style with elite support, giving you a competition-ready edge on the mat or the sidelines.
Best Men's Cheer Shoe
Varsity Men's Encore 2 Cheer Shoes
The Encore 2 is a top-performing cheer shoe designed with a wider fit and enhanced support, making it ideal for male cheerleaders or athletes who need more room and structure. Featuring RallyFlex™ breathable mesh and a memory foam ActivFIT™ insole, this shoe delivers lasting comfort, arch support, and impact protection from practice to performance.
Best Cheer Shoe for Stunting & Tumbling
Varsity V4X Cheer Shoes
The V4X is engineered for serious stunts, launching your best performance yet. With built-in stunt grip zones and 360° flex technology, it offers unmatched control during elite skills. The knit body keeps the shoe ultralight, while the comfort collar and Achilles cradle lock in ankle support. A responsive bounce board adds shock absorption and rebound, making it one of the best cheer shoes for high-impact training and performance.
Best Budget-Friendly Sideline Cheer Shoe
Varsity C3 Cheer Shoes
Meet the C3—a lightweight, beginner-friendly cheer shoe built to handle both field and floor. Designed for new athletes and budget-conscious teams, the C3 features durable synthetic leather, solid arch support, and a no-slip fit. It's ideal for sideline cheerleaders needing all-day comfort and long-lasting wear. The C3 is a value-packed option for season-long performance.
Best Training / Travel Cheer Shoe
Varsity Vibe Training Shoes
The Vibe is your go-to travel and training shoe between practice and performance. Made with soft-knit, breathable materials, it delivers a flexible, ultra-light feel whether you’re warming up, stretching, or walking to competition—and it’s available in black, white, or grey for versatile style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cheer shoes for flyers should be as light as possible with a snug, secure fit for balance during stunts. The Ascend Air is built hyperlight for exactly this, and the Phantom's carbon fiber plate propulsion adds an extra edge for flyers who also tumble into routines.
Competition shoes like the Phantom and Full Out prioritize propulsion, grip, and lightweight construction for mat work. Sideline shoes like the Edge 2 (indoor) and DBL Edge 2 (outdoor) are built for durability across a full season of games rather than short competition routines.
Yes. The V4X is built with 360° Flex Technology and stunt grip zones specifically for cheer shoes for stunting, and the Ascend Air's hyperlight construction supports flyers and bases through repeated lifts. Both are among the best cheer shoes for high-impact stunt work.
Start with your role: flyers and tumblers benefit from lightweight, flexible builds like the Ascend Air and V4X. Bases need stability and grip. Sideline athletes need a shoe built for a full season on turf or hardwood, like the Edge 2 or DBL Edge 2. Beginners can start with the budget-friendly C3.
Looking for an all-white pair to meet competition color requirements? Browse Varsity's full white cheer shoes lineup to compare every model side by side.